A delegation of top drycleaners from Japan recently visited Zengeler Cleaners’ company headquarters in Northbrook, IL, to identify best practices in the
cleaning industry.

“Zengeler Cleaners is very excited to share the processes used in our operations,” said Tom Zengeler, president of the family-owned cleaner. “We had the opportunity to show our guests many of the recent innovations in
equipment, technology and operating philosophy. In turn, our team was also able to gather ideas, suggestions and recommendations
from a distinguished group of successful operators committed to improvements in
our industry.”

The Japanese delegation had three primary goals in its visit. First, they were
interested in observing the company’s state-of-the-art business processes at its Long Grove store, including a
system that allows customers to self-serve 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Second, they wanted to see the company’s environmentally-friendly cleaning processes. Finally, they wanted to
experience firsthand how the 156-year old company provides quality and service
to its customers.

Ehrenreich focusing on broker network

Now retired as executive director of the MidAtlantic Association of Cleaners
(MAC), Richard Ehrenreich is focusing on his Cleaner Broker Network which
handles cleaner appraisals, brokerage and coaching/consulting for clients.

“Since I run a ‘boutique brokerage and consulting practice,’ I am only taking on a limited number of new clients,” Ehrenreich said. “This quality rather than quantity workload allows me to focus on a couple of
projects at a time to maintain my near 100 percent success rate with my
clients.”

His credentials and experience include Certified Environmental Drycleaner and
trainer through the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute; certified business
intermediary and fellow of the International Business Brokers Association; a
drycleaning industry developer, franchiser, operator and consultant; vice
president of membership for DLI; past president of the Metropolitan
(Washington, DC) Cleaners Association; a founding member of MAC in addition to
serving six years as the association’s executive director; and past president of the Cleaners & Launderers Association Executives.

He can be reached at Ehrenreich & Associates, (301) 924-9246.

DLI is now managing MAC with Peter Blake serving as executive director. MAC’s telephone number is (800) 235-8360.

Lapels’ Eisner join board of franchise association

Michael Eisner of Lapels Dry Cleaning has been named to the board of directors of the New England Franchise
Association (NEFA).

The association is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the
region and has more than 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise
executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.

“Having been a member of NEFA for several years, I’m thrilled and honored to be appointed to its board of directors,” said Eisner, who serves as Lapels Dry Cleaning’s franchise director.

“We have some impressive individuals on the new board who have experience as
franchisors, franchisees and consultants in the industry. I’m looking forward to working with the board and NEFA members to develop programs
and events that engage and benefit our association.”

Eisner joins a board comprised of both franchisors and those who serve the
franchise community.

“Michael’s a great addition to our board of directors and a great example of the high
caliber of members we have in NEFA,” said NEFA President Murray Vetstein.